Comment from Kevin Allen:
Good afternoon everyone
Halifax, Nova Scotia:
What would the percentage be on bringing the cup back to Canada?

Kevin Allen:
Certainly Ottawa and Toronto both have a shot to reach the Stanley Cup Final. But I still believe the champion will come from the west. Vancouver has a shot, but it will be rough sledding in the West. They will have to win three tough series to reach the final. I like the Canucks, but I don't see them getting to the final.Wesley Chapel, Florida:
Can the Lightning be this years' Hurricanes & get out of the East? They have the goaltending & the front line scoring, but their defense may be a little too inexperienced. What do you think?

Kevin Allen:
That's a fair analysis, but you are also forgetting another factor. The East is tougher than it was a year ago. I do like the Lightning, and I think their goaltending is better than the goaltender that the 'Canes had last season. I like their collection of forwards, but their defense isn't as proven as Carolina's defense was a year ago.Culver City, CA:
I noticed that several key players (MacInnis, Mellanby, Podein, etc) were held out of the Blue's lineup for their season finale against the Avalanche. St Louis' playoff position was already secured, but by losing this game they avoided a first round matchup with Colorado, drawing Vancouver instead. Maybe I'm reading too much into their roster moves, but it looks almost like they tried to lose so they wouldn't get that Round 1 clash with the red-hot Avs. Are there rules against that? How are they enforced? What are the penalties?

Kevin Allen:
You are supposed to put your best lineup on the ice, and that became a major point of contention when the league told teams they couldn't allow players to go to the Olympics. The problem is...how can you fault the Blues wanting to rest their guys. I'm not so sure that anyone could have known for sure that Vancouver was going to be passed by Colorado. Most GMs will tell you that trying to avoid this or that match-up is futile because essentially you have to beat those teams if you want to reach the final. But in answer to your question the NHL has allowed teams to rest stars at the end of the seasonOttawa:
Will Yashin be motivated enough by playing his old mates to actually give an honest effort? Or will he be the same old invisible man come playoff time when all the paychecks have already been cahed?

Kevin Allen:
He was dreadful earlier this season, but played well late in the season. No one knows what kind of player he will be against Ottawa, but he will have to be Herculean for the Islanders to have any kind of a shot. The Senators are a highly skilled team, and the Islanders don't seem to ready for this level of battle.Saskatoon, Canada.:
Hi, Kevin. While Ottawa & Dallas are top contenders, it seems to me that Detroit, Colorado, New Jersey and Philadelphia will provide the two Cup finalists. Can you see Marty Turco or Patrick Lalime leading their team to the Cup final? Also, Glen Sather certainly made the Rangers a much more competitive squad even though both Alexei Kovalev & Eric Lindros faltered. With every indication that Sather will remain as GM, who do you think will be brought in to coach the Rangers next year? Keenan again?

Kevin Allen:
My read on Sather is that he is not a Keenan believer. I wonder if he will go back to Herb Brooks, who has regrets about not taking that job last year. I like Turco and Lalime, but Turco has no playoff history and he did have an ankle injury not long ago. I bet that is still bothering him. Turco has the right attitude to be a successful in his position. He's confident without being cocky. It's really a pick 'em in the West. Lalime needs to play well to prove he's a big time goalie.Comment from USATODAY.com Host:
We're having some technical difficulties but expect to be back online shortly.Sault Ste. Marie (MI):
Kevin, what's the biggest question facing the Wings as they enter the playoffs. Lewis' coahing ability, Cujo's ability to backstop the team to a cup, or Yzerman's knee.

Kevin Allen:
That's a good question. I don't think Yzerman's knee is a factor. He is what he is. He's not going to be a major offensive threat, but he's definitely more mobile than he was in the final two series last year. Cujo has turned his season around over the past three months. The Red Wings have the best talent. They will be avoiding injuries, not making mental mistakes and hope they don't have bad luck.Zanesville, OH:
How come the Flyers aren't mentioned as having a great shot at the cup?? They have one of the best defenses in the league, and defense wins the cup doesn't it?? Thanx!

Kevin Allen:
I think people recognize Philadelphia as a contender, but the Flyers are a very difficult read, mostly because people don't believe in Roman Cechmanek. I personally believe that goaltending wins championship. Roman still has to prove himself. But Hitchcock has made a real difference in Philadelphia. This team is better prepared than it was last seasonTampa, Florida:
Where did the tradition of growing playoff hockey beards originate? (I've seen many articles which state sometime in the 70's this was first noticed, but no actual place/time of origin).
P.S. GO BOLTS!!!

Kevin Allen:
That's a great question, and I don't have an answer. I remember it starting in 70s as well. But I'm no help on this one.Detroit, MI:
Assuming the NHL enacts a hard salary cap, will the Bruins organization continue its Sindenesque practice of not retaining its top talent and maintaining a team aimed at maximizing profits vs. a team capable of winning a cup?

Kevin Allen:
If there is a hard cap, it will change everything. First there would be a minimum payroll as well as a cap. But I need to point out one caution to folks who see the salary cap as allowing teams to keep their top players. If it is anything like the NFL, it would seem difficult to keep teams together. Every summer the landscape is full of NFL players who were cut loose from their teams because GMs say they can't afford them.Montreal, Quebec (Canada):
What do you make of Markus Naslund's statement following the Canucks' loss in the final game of the season, which dropped them to fourth seed and a much tougher matchup against St. Louis in the opening round?

Kevin Allen:
I think he was being totally honest. No one thought the Avalanche could catch Vancouver.Wesley Chapel, Florida:
Everyone is talking about a work stoppage for 2004-05, but why wouldn't the players walk out after next years' regular season? Wouldn't that put the maximum pressure on the owners to negotiate (the greatest revenues come during the Playoffs) while risking nothing themselves (since players are only paid in the regular season they will be paid in full for the season)?

Kevin Allen:
You are forgetting one important element: players like the current system. They don't want to change. Walking out next spring won't get it done. I do think owners will make an offer sometime this summer. Just a gut feeling.hackettstwon, nj:
Can the Islanders turn around their late season slump and give Ottawa any trouble?

Kevin Allen:
I just don't see it. I was bullish on the Islanders before the season, but they have really disappointed me. Do you believe in their goaltending? Most people in the hockey world don'tWarren, MI:
Am I crazy for thinking that Nikolei Khabibulin could be the talk of the playoffs? I think that he could carry the Lightning to the conference finals with a little help and a little luck.

Kevin Allen:
You aren't crazy. Khabibulin has been playing terrific for two months. He really wants an extended playoff run. The Lightning are a decent, credible team, although their defense isn't quite there yet. They really need Vinny Lecavalier and Brad Richards to be warriors in the playoffs.Argyle, TX:
How far do you think the Stars can go in the playoffs without having Turgeon and Guerin in their lineup?

Kevin Allen:
They will miss Guerin more than Turgeon. I still like the Stars, but the West is very tough. It's really a difficult field to handicap. I think any of the top five could advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Turco needs to be exceptional for the Stars to have a long run.Buffalo, NY:
Which team's playoff run will benefit more from its Sabres acquisitions? Ottawa with Rob Ray & Vaclav Varada - or Dallas with Stu Barnes?

Kevin Allen:
Forget about Rob Ray's impact. It comes down to Vaclav Varada vs. Stu Barnes. I think Ottawa needed Varada's grit more than Dallas needed Barnes' offense. But players will play important roles.Dundee, MI:
Kevin, there seemed to be a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth among Wings pundits when they lost their last game to the Hawks and gave Dallas the Conference title. As it was happening, I considered it no big deal. How do you see it?

Kevin Allen:
I think the Oilers would have been an easier first round, but I side with you "on no big deal" The real difference is that now the Red Wings will face Colorado in the second round if they both advance. If they would have finished first they could have faced Vancouver or St. LouisFrederick, MD:
Do you think that Gagne and Williams have had enough time to get up to speed to actually have an impact for the Flyers in the first round, or would they do better to stick with who they've been using to get them to this point?

Kevin Allen:
I say put them in. There might be some rust, but through the years guys have told me that when they have been out for extended periods in the regular season they feel refreshed in the playoffs. Most guys are beat up by the time they get to the playoffs. Williams and Gagne should be fine. This matchup with Toronto will be a battle. Better to have your best players in the lineup.Volcano,CA:
This year's MVP race should be interesting, and come down to Forsberg,Naslund and Thorton, all deserving, but this years best player might have been Ziggy Palffy.True, his team isn't going to the playoffs, but consider: he tied for tenth in scoring with 85 points,the 2nd highest scorer on the Kings finished with 38;he had a plus 22 for a team that scored 20 fewer goals then it gave up;his linemates were a career minor leaguer and whatever healthy body the Kings could find. Forsberg had Hejduk and Tanguay;Thorton had Murray and Knuble; Naslund and Bertuzzi had each other plus Morrison, etc...So Palffy's numbers are really impressive. Your thoughts

Kevin Allen:
I want you on my defense team because you make a well reasoned argument. But I am afraid I can't buy into it fully. As much as I appreciated Palffy's season, I still think Forsberg was the league's MVP. Just one question. At this moment if you were playing a playoff series, would you want Peter Forsberg or Ziggy? It's an easy answer.Wesley Chapel, FL:
Do you think Ed Belfour has enough top notch goaltending left in him to win the Cup for the Leafs? Regular season pressure is great in Toronto & Eddie had a terrific year but Playoff pressure is another matter altogether.

Kevin Allen:
Yes I do. He has convinced me he's still Eddie the Eagle. His strength is his ability to win big games. He can still do it.Stockholm, Sweden:
The last couple of years, Ottawa has had great regular seasons, but been lacking in grittiness and play-off toughness. Are they mean enough to go all the way this year?

Kevin Allen:
I still don't think they can be called "mean", but they have more bite and more importantly I think they have learned to deal with the opposing team's grit.Westfield, NJ:
What is the status of Sergei Brylin? Will he be back with the Devils for the first round?

Kevin Allen:
He is expected to be back sometime in the playoffs, but I didn't think he would be back in the first round. But I haven't checked lately.Hollywood, CA:
No one that I've read is really picking any 1st Round upsets this year, aside from maybe Washington over Tampa Bay. Haven't recent years shown that there will always be at least a couple of these every year? Who are the most likely Cinderellas this year, or are you staying safe like most and agreeing that the top teams in each conference are just too tough to lose in Round 1?

Kevin Allen:
The only lower seeds I'm taking are Toronto and St. Louis. There's more separation this season between the top teams and the lower tier teams.Los Angeles, CA:
I know you were always a supporter of Ken Hitchcock's in Dallas, even when things went badly there last year, but who do you think has the coaching edge in his 1st Round series against Pat Quinn and the Leafs? Talent-wise these teams almost seem too close to call, so coaching could decide it. Thoughts?

Kevin Allen:
I like Hitchcock's ability to prepare a team for a series. I give him the coaching edge. But I also think that Hitchcock's style wears on players over time.Manhattan Beach, CA:
Personally I think the Ducks have a better shot at being a 1st Round spoiler than anyone else out West, but it'll be tough even for them. What do you do if you're Edmonton or Minnesota to win 4 games?

Kevin Allen:
The No. 7 has actually won more than the No. 2 seed since this format was introduced in 1994. Salo would have to be unbelievable for the Stars to win. You have to stop Forsberg to stop Colorado. I don't see that happening.Enfield NH:
Hey Kevin, I see no one picking the Bruins, but I feel if they keep the mistakes to a minimum New Jersey is for the picking, what are your thoughts on the series and also Thornton's placing in the MVP race I say 2nd behind Forsberg. Thanks and love the coverage.

Kevin Allen:
I really like Boston's forwards, lots of depth. No one gives enough credit to guys like Mike Knuble and Brian Rolston. But when you size up Boston's goaltending vs. Marty Brodeur it's no contest. I think Thornton will be third in the MVP voting. One of the Vancouver boys will sneak in between him and ForsbergL.A., California:
Hey Kevin, love your columns. What is your take on the Colorado/Minnesota series. I don't see Colorado having too difficult of a time. Also, how far do you think the Avs will go this year?

Kevin Allen:
Jacques Lemaire's coaching always gives his team a chance, but they are just short on talent. And Colorado has plenty. I'm not picking Colorado. But I would be anything but surprised if they are in the Stanley Cup Finals. Loads of talent on the league, and Forsberg is the best player in the league.Vancouver, Canada:
Good afternoon Kevin. Looks like they're playing for the Stanley Cup in the Western Conference again, but who's it going to be in the East? Is it FINALLY time for the Flyers or will Bobby Clarke prove once again that he should have dealt for a goalie?

Kevin Allen:
Personally I think they should have traded for the goalie. I had a hunch to pick Toronto, but New Jersey and Ottawa will probably come through to the Eastern Finals.John, Tempe AZ:
Pat Burns was hired to get the Devils into the second round. Gregg Gilbert said that the Devils have some "big holes in their game." Can a team without a power-play, a consistent offense at full strength, and only four reliable D-men get past Thornton/Samsonov/Murray and a Bruin team with something to prove?

Kevin Allen:
Yup because of Marty Brodeur, and I think their defense is pretty darn good.Virginia Beach, VA:
Kevin, Is there anyway the Islanders, can compete against
Ottawa. And can we trade Mike Milbury anywhere, please. We'll even pay his salary.

Kevin Allen:
Now that's funny...Sorry don't see it happening for the Islanders.North Brunswick, NJ:
Hi Kevin, Who do you see Ottawa using in trying to shutdown Yashin? A whole line, a forward to shadow him, a defenseman?

Kevin Allen:
Nobody shadows with forwards any more. They just put their best defensive pairing out there against the other team's top team. I would put Chara out there when he's on the ice.Warren, MI:
The Red Wings over the past 20+ games look alot like the 1997 Red Wings team with their puck possession and left-wing lock. The scoring depth seems eerily similar to 1997. Do you see the same thing?

Kevin Allen:
Yes, but I think this Detroit team is better than the 1996. With Schneider, Zetterberg and Datsyuk, I think this could be the best of the Red Wings teams. I hesitate to say that only because the team had Dominik Hasek last season.Detroit Mi:
HI Kevin, Do you think if the
Wings win the cup Stevie will
retire ?

Kevin Allen:
He has talked about wanting to continue, but if they win the Cup he may just pack it in. He has played fine, but he's not quite the same player he was before. He misses his offense.Washington DC:
Do you think that Jaromir Jagr is capable of leading the Caps deep into the playoffs?

Kevin Allen:
That's one of the big questions of the playoffs. He's still young enough that he should be able to carry the Caps.San Francisco, CA:
I think the most likely series for a big upset is Minnesota over Colorado. I think Colorado improved during the season in spite of Granato's coaching ability and moreso because he loosened the reins on them. I think his coaching skills will come into question now and I think Lemaires will outcoach him. Your thoughts and how much does coaching play into these playoff series versus strictly player talent.

Kevin Allen:
That's a nice theory, but coaching can't overcome the talent disparity. Coaching can't change Wes Walz into Forsberg, and I think Walz has had a very nice season. I think coaching does make a difference when teams are very close. Scotty Bowman was a master at getting an edge with the right line change, etc.SCS MI:
I heard rumors that The Rangers will persue fedorov if the wings don't resign him. How can the Rangers possibly pull that off? And what are my wings chances? Can Luc turn his season long slump around and make some noise in the playoffs? Thanks for your insight!

Kevin Allen:
The Rangers and Toronto are the likely teams to go after Fedorov. The Rangers can do whatever they want. Fedorov would be better off with the Red Wings. There is still an excellent chance he will be back.Springfield, VA:
What are your thoughts on the job Cassidy has one with the Washington Capitals? They don't look any different than last year's team under Wilson.

Kevin Allen:
I think he struggled early, and now he's figuring it out. The Caps didn't have much of a system early, and now he has them playing more defensive. But he still has much to prove.Saint Paul, MN:
What happens to the Avalanche in the playoffs if Sakic, Forsberg or Hejduk get hurt?

Kevin Allen:
That's very bad because they aren't as deep as they once were.Woodbury, MN:
Will Wes Walz get consideration for the Selke or does Lehtinen get preference because of his offensive numbers despite playing on a better team overall?

Kevin Allen:
Walz was on my ballot, but how can you deny Lehtinen. He is the Finnish Bob Gainey.Duluth, MN:
No one seems to believe that the Wild can beat the Avalache but their goaltending is better that most in the league with the best save percentage and fourth ranked GAA. Do you think people are underestimating the real strength of the Wild?

Kevin Allen:
I admire the Wild, but Colorado just has more talent. They also have Patrick Roy in goal. Despite what the statistics say, that's still a good thing.Martin, Orlando:
Are the referees going to call the holding and obstruction infractions as the league promised us back in October or are we to expect the typical playoffs low scoring, 'no flow to the game' hockey?

Kevin Allen:
They say they will. But you have a right to be skeptical.Comment from Kevin Allen:
Have a great day and enjoy the playoffs
Kevin